The House of Representatives has announced plans to probe the ongoing N15 trillion Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project.
This decision came after the House resolved to set up an ad-hoc committee to investigate the project and submit a report within four weeks.
The resolution was reached following the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance moved during plenary by Mr. Austin Achado, the member representing Gwer East/Gwer West Federal Constituency, Benue State.
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The House also resolved to summon the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN; the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun; and the Minister of Works, David Umahi, to shed more light on the project.
The Ministry of Works defended the project, stating that it followed due process and had received support from members of the House of Representatives. The coastal highway project, spanning 700 kilometers, is designed to connect Lagos to Cross River, passing through several states before culminating in Calabar.
The project has attracted both commendation and condemnation since its approval in February. It was initially estimated to cost $12 billion under the administration of Goodluck Jonathan and $11.1 billion under Muhammadu Buhari, before being expanded to a 10-lane highway.
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Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, disclosed that the construction of the coastal road was expected to span eight years and cost N4 billion per kilometer. So far, the Federal Executive Council has approved and released N1.06 trillion for the pilot phase of the construction.
Despite the support for the project, concerns have been raised about the procurement process and the demolition of structures along the right of way. The House of Representatives has vowed to investigate these issues thoroughly to ensure transparency and accountability in the project’s execution.